Naankuse Foundation appeals for support

Deborah Binder, who left Amadeus Australia in June last year, has contacted TravelMole from Namibia where she is marketing manager for Naankuse, a not-for-profit organisation that works to protect the wildlife and people of Namibia.

The charity, which runs two volunteer programmes for the international voluntourism market operates the only charity lodge in the country and all funds raised from the lodge are invested back into the charity’s projects,

“Lately we have been struggling with bookings for the lodge, mainly because, although we are the only charity lodge in Namibia and the lodge is absolutely stunning, we are quite new in this world and Namibia mainly has an older tourism market that has been returning to the same lodges for years and years,” says Binder.

“The same applies to the medical volunteering programme. In this sense, I am now trying to target a younger tourist profile to increase our occupancy rates.

“I also believe the lodge and the Naankuse experience is a unique, small group incentive travel option,” Binder added.

Rudie Van Vuuren, founder and managing director of Naankuse Foundation, together with his wife, Marlice, said, “Our mission is to conserve the land, cultures and wildlife of Namibia and rescue species threatened by an ever shrinking habitat.”

The couple said the support the foundation received in 2011, “helped us achieve real change in the lives of the people and wildlife of Namibia”.

Deborah Binder reports from Namibia on Naankuse’s 2011 achievements

“During 2011, Naankuse Foundation rescued, rehabilitated and re-released five cheetahs, two leopards, one brown hyena, two caracals and one serval back into the wild where they belong.

“Naankuse’s Clever Cubs School gave free pre-school education to 30 San Bushman toddlers and supported 13 children in their studies at mainstream schools. Three kids graduated from pre-primary school.

“Without the education they receive at Clever Cubs, these children would stand little chance of gaining entry into a mainstream school and consequently receive no further education or qualifications in order for them to gain employment when they are older.

“Naankuse is committed to improving the lives of the San community through education, healthcare and better living conditions.

“Naankuse’s Lifeline Clinic in Epukiro provided free primary healthcare to over 3,500 San Bushman. Forty percent of our patients were children and babies.

“The San live in extreme poverty and many suffer from malnutrition, disease, discrimination and abuse. Providing free and accessible primary healthcare to this community really is a lifeline to many.

“In 2011, more than 400 volunteers gave thousands of days of their time to support our projects.

“They were aged from 18 to 70 and came to Namibia from all over the world. With no experience or qualifications necessary, our projects offer people the opportunity to make a lasting and tangible difference to the lives of the vulnerable San community and Namibia’s wildlife.

“Naankuse’s sponsors include Jan and Tineke Verburg and Burgland Charitas, The Jolie-Pitt Foundation, Claudio Frateschi and Family, Jaguar Land Rover SA, SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, Pollyanna Pickering Foundation, National Geographic Society, Sirtrack, Bonpoint, Chester Zoo, Latymer Preparatory School and Dan Mortimer.

“To every Animal Adoptive Parent and Child Sponsor. To everyone who has visited Naankuse and supported our work. We would not be here without you.


“We are a small organisation that strives to produce quality in the lives of the animals and people we work with. 


“Thank you from all the people, animals and staff at Naankuse.”

If you would like to support the Naankuse Foundation by sending guests to the lodge or recommending the volunteer programme to others contact

Deborah Binder
Marketing & Communication
Naankuse Foundation
[email protected]
T: +264 (0) 81 743 85 05
www.naankuse.com